Ka Constant

[lukezhang2C]

Do we need to know how to calculate the Ka equilibrium of acid/base reactions?

[Kelly Zhang 1L]

Dr. Lavelle said no, calculating equilibrium constant is covered in 14b.

[Alicia Gibbons 1B]

Two qualitative things that would be useful to know include
1) Ka and Kb deal with the ratio of concentrations
2) Products sit on top of reactants, meaning a stronger acid/base, which dissociates more easily, will have a greater Ka/Kb

[Erin Nash - 4G]

Ka is the concentrations of the products over the concentration of the reactants, but I'm not sure if we will need to know how to calculate it.

[David S]

No, but along with what others mention, just know that higher Ka --> lower pKa = stronger acid, higher Kb --> lower pKb = stronger base.